The new tail design is a prototype being developed on using a 407 body as an experimental look for the proposed new model line, MAPL. (Modular Affordable Product Line) This will be a new family of helicopters designed around a new rotor system, tail rotor, drive system, cabin, and engine. Proposed concept includes light single, light twin, and medium twin models, all based on same family of parts.
Bell will also be evaluating a new rotor system (possbily also using a 407 body) as part of the research for this new development program. This work is being conducted at Bell's XWORX R&D facility.
From HAI press release:
Bell’s Modular Affordable Product Line (MAPL) of helicopters is making significant progress as development continues on the technologically advanced products. Plan calls for aircraft to be designed, built and certified by the end of the decade.
Bell began development last year of the technology for MAPL, a family of light helicopters, including both single and twin-engine models. The MAPL family is being designed to provide break through productivity gains for Bell customers.
Bell market research on the MAPL concept has shown us that our customers’ price is the clear driver of customer satisfaction and that our initial targets of speed, payload, and noise are preferred. In response to our customers some of the design characteristics designed into the aircraft are:
20% productivity improvement via speed and useful load improvements
20% reduction in operating costs
10 dB noise reduction
99% dispatch reliability
In order to achieve the high reliability rating desired, Bell has embarked on technology maturation for the MAPL family. Key technologies being developed by Bell include the main rotor, drive train, autopilot, and noise control. In addition, suppliers are working on engine technologies and avionics to meet customer requirements
To provide customer desired comfort along with affordability, Bell designers have developed fuselage concepts providing more space for pilots and passengers. By developing a modular construction technique offering significant commonality across the product line, Bell’s investment and recurring costs are reduced thus providing a more affordable product for our customer
In keeping with Bell’s aim to provide current customers with product improvements, engineers are also working on a plan to insert MAPL technology into our existing product line. This will benefit the customer in two ways: first by improving the performance and cost of Bell’s legacy products and second by maturing key technologies in service before the MAPL aircraft enter service.